Walking leisurely on the shaded paths between the academy buildings, Xiao Yan’s eyes narrowed slightly, not paying much attention to the scorching gazes that shot at him from all around. Ever since he had won the championship in the selection contest two days ago, such gazes had constantly accompanied him. At first, it annoyed him, but over time, he could only numbly pretend to ignore them. After all, one couldn’t control what others saw.
It had been two days since the conclusion of the selection contest. During these two days, Xiao Yan not only fully recovered from the injuries sustained during the competition, but his strength also solidified at the level of a six-star Great Fighter. He felt at his peak at almost all times, with the fighting energy flowing within him like a flood, making him feel exhilarated all over.
According to the academy’s rules, within seven days after the selection contest, the top fifty students would begin preparing to enter the Inner Academy. The top five, including Xiao Yan, would have the opportunity to choose a time within these seven days to enter the library as a reward, where they could, by chance, select some things for themselves.
Xiao Yan was quite interested in the mysterious library, even Xun Er thought about it often. However, according to the rules, the top five must enter together. And now, Bai Shan, Hu Jia, and Wu Hao were still lying in the infirmary. According to Lu Mu, it would take at least three to five days before they could walk. When Lu Mu said this, his gaze towards Xiao Yan was somewhat strange and relieved, as if he was glad that Xiao Yan hadn’t gone mad and injured him badly during their fight.
“I wonder what’s really in that library. I hope I can find something suitable for myself,” Xiao Yan murmured hopefully as the warm sunlight filtered through the gaps in the tree branches, illuminating his body.
“Cousin Xiao Yan.”
As Xiao Yan walked slowly, a somewhat timid voice suddenly sounded ahead. Hearing the voice, Xiao Yan stopped and opened his half-closed eyes, looking forward. There, he saw a group of lively and pretty girls, among whom Xiao Mei was being surrounded like a star among her followers.
To be honest, Xiao Mei’s appearance could be considered outstanding even in the entire academy. At this moment, she was gazing at Xiao Yan with some restraint, who had achieved the peak of fame in this academy filled with countless talents in less than ten days.
“Wow, Xiao Mei, is he really your cousin? He’s coming over…”
The girls beside Xiao Mei blushed as they watched Xiao Yan approach, tugging at Xiao Mei and whispering excitedly. Now, Xiao Yan’s reputation in the outer part of the Canaan Academy had surpassed that of Bai Shan. His feat of taking on three opponents had become a topic of discussion among many students, and his status was rapidly rising in the hearts of many. Although Xiao Yan wasn’t devastatingly handsome, his face was quite refined, and the gentle smile he often wore made many girls give him admiring glances. A powerful man always exuded charm.
The increase in reputation also transformed the previously notorious name he had for taking a two-year leave into a symbol of individuality. Young people are like this; they will find ways to ignore or compensate for any flaws in someone they admire or respect, striving to make them perfect in their hearts.
Xiao Yan walked slowly towards the somewhat anxious Xiao Mei, smiled slightly, and nodded at her. He paused for a moment, exchanged a few casual words, and then passed by her.
Although Xiao Yan had a gentle smile, Xiao Mei still sensed the unfamiliarity. Hearing the envious voices of the girls around her, she felt a twinge of sorrow, her eyes filled with melancholy. Originally, they could have been very close, and she didn’t need this perfunctory greeting. She would rather he showed anger, at least that would mean she had value. But now, Xiao Yan’s indifferent manner deeply hurt her. Hating someone is not about being angry, but completely ignoring them.
Xiao Yan seemed to have reached this point, and it was all because of her one fateful decision when they were children!
As Xiao Yan passed by, Xiao Mei sniffled, trying to keep her tears from welling up. Though the regret in her heart tormented her, she forced a smile at the girls around her, who still looked envious, and then turned to leave.
“By the way, can you walk with me? I want to tell you something.”
Just as Xiao Mei was about to leave dejectedly, a smiling voice suddenly rang out, freezing her in place. She quickly turned around and saw Xiao Yan’s soft expression. Stunned for a moment, she hurriedly nodded, disregarding the greetings of the girls, and quickly followed Xiao Yan under their envious gazes.
Xiao Yan led Xiao Mei through curious gazes to a quiet lakeside. Standing before the lake, he was silent for a while, then carefully recounted the events that had happened to the Xiao family.
No matter what, Xiao Mei was a member of the Xiao family, and she had the right to know about the family’s relocation. Xiao Yan always felt guilty about the family’s move, as it was due to his conflict with the Yun Lian Sect that the family had been implicated. Although he didn’t have a good impression of the family in his childhood, it was still the fruit of his father and the elders’ hard work.
Now that his father was missing, Xiao Yan had become the acting head of the Xiao family. This was evident from the fact that the three elders had given him the ancestral jade piece, which could store the souls of the clan leaders.
“The family has relocated?” Hearing this, Xiao Mei was shocked, her brows furrowed. Looking at Xiao Yan’s expression, she guessed, “Because of the Yun Lian Sect, right?”
“Yes.” Xiao Yan gave a bitter smile, falling silent for a moment before his tone turned cold, “I killed one of their elders, and things escalated from there. When I return to the Jia Ma Empire, I’ll settle this with them. Until then, try not to return to the Jia Ma Empire. If your whereabouts are exposed, both you and the family will suffer a devastating blow.”
Xiao Mei nodded obediently, glancing at Xiao Yan, and said softly, “Cousin Xiao Yan, don’t worry. No one in the family will blame you. You’ve done well, and even the great elders would feel proud. Not many people have the courage and qualifications to challenge the Yun Lian Sect over the years.”
Hearing this, Xiao Yan smiled and nodded, saying, “I hope so. The Xiao family is the result of my father and the elders’ hard work. I will do my best to protect it.”
“Big brother Xiao Yan can do it now, but back then…”
Xiao Mei’s words abruptly stopped, her face paling slightly. She wanted to pinch herself for bringing up those things and ruining the atmosphere.
“Ah, let the past be the past. We’re not children anymore, and dwelling on it won’t help.”
Xiao Yan’s gaze lingered on the shimmering lake surface, then he turned to look at Xiao Mei’s timid expression, saying, “Regardless, you are still my cousin. If you need anything, come to me. Although I can’t protect the family’s fate in the Jia Ma Empire yet, here in the Canaan Academy, I can ensure that no one from the Xiao family is bullied.”
Xiao Mei breathed a sigh of relief, a smile appearing on her face as she nodded.
“Alright, I need to go back now. Remember, come to Instructor Ruo Lin if you need anything.”
Xiao Yan smiled, patted Xiao Mei’s shoulder, and turned to leave down the path.
Standing there, Xiao Mei watched his retreating figure, suddenly smiling. This seemed like an opportunity to break the ice between them.
Five days after the selection contest, when Xiao Yan returned to Instructor Ruo Lin’s unique pavilion, he found Ruo Lin, Xun Er, and Xiao Yu all present. Before them stood a middle-aged man in the academy instructor’s robes.
“Haha, what’s going on here?”
Xiao Yan walked into the living room with a smile, looking at Xun Er and asking.
“Brother Xiao Yan, this is Instructor Ku Lu,” Xun Er greeted with a smile, taking off Xiao Yan’s coat. “Bai Shan and the others have recovered. According to the rules, we will enter the library this afternoon.”
Xiao Yan’s steps paused for a moment, and he nodded with a smile. Finally, it was here. He had been looking forward to this mysterious library for a long time. Now, he hoped it wouldn’t disappoint…
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